The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) will rehabilitate buildings that have been declared uninhabitable by the courts, with the objective of leasing them to stimulate urban renewal, attract investment, drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.

This is part of its inner-city revitalisation plan aimed at transforming derelict and unsafe buildings into secure, functional spaces for businesses and families.

CoJ Economic Development MMC Nomoya Mnisi emphasised the importance of collaboration with property owners and investors.

“Johannesburg's inner city holds potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years.

“Property owners are key partners in reclaiming, revitalising and reimagining our city. Through the Joburg Property Company, the city is committed to working with investors and property owners to unlock value and drive economic and social development,” she said.

The revitalisation strategy is being spearheaded by the Strategic Projects Unit, which represents a coordinated, long-term approach to reclaiming the inner city, backed by cross-departmental collaboration, clear governance and active private sector engagement, she added.

The buildings that have been declared unsafe and are subject to court-ordered evacuations are being prioritised, including the M.O.T.H Building, which was declared unsafe, and the city has been instructed to relocate occupants to temporary emergency accommodation.

Similarly, the Vannin Building was declared unsafe and evacuation and relocation are in progress. The Casa Mia building was declared unfit for habitation and the occupants will be relocated.

In the Delvers Building, which was also declared unsafe and scheduled for demolition on September 20, 2024, the occupants have been evacuated. The Wimbledon Building in Wolmarans street, was similarly declared unsafe and relocation of residents is under way.

Relocation of residents is in progress for the Big Busty Building, on Edith Cavell street and Florence House, on King George street.

Further, the Remington Building has successfully been redeveloped following a court-ordered evacuation on September 15, 2023, the City said in a statement.

To support affected residents, temporary accommodation has been secured at locations including Fleurhof, South Hills, 106 Claim street and Regents House, with more than 600 housing units ready or nearing completion, it added.

Meanwhile, in addition to reclaiming hijacked and derelict buildings, the CoJ is also reviewing its property portfolio to enhance revenue generation and identify buildings that could be sold to private investors.

This initiative included exploring public-private partnerships for the development and maintenance of properties, as well as mixed-use developments to further unlock the city's real estate potential, it said.

“Johannesburg is actively identifying and reclaiming hijacked buildings, but we also acknowledge the critical role of the private sector in urban renewal,” Mnisi said.